A Good Dog's Guide to Obedience

Here are some questions readers often ask about Service Dogs. 

Any breed of dog can become a service dog with the proper training. If you find yourself in need  of a specially trained service dog.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not specify any breeds that should or should not  become service animals. Assistance animals come in all sizes, though their size should be  appropriate to the specific tasks they are being trained to perform.

Not all dogs are cut out to be service animals. In some cases, a dog may be too shy or reactive to  other dogs and people. In some cases where service dogs fail out of their training they are better  suited to becoming emotional support dogs. 

Training is not limited to professional trainers or Service Dog  organizations. Owners can train their own Service Dogs, but many seek the assistance  of a professional dog trainer. Balanced Obedience offers coaching and online courses  to pass the Public Access Test, teach obedience training and more.  

Psychiatric service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with a recognized  psychiatric disability such as anxiety, depression, phobias, personality disorders and  post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These dogs can perform a variety of “work” or  tasks to help their handlers manage their symptoms and lead more independent lives. 

Service dogs go through extensive training to perform their roles, but there is no such thing as  service dog registration, nor is there an official database of service animals. Unfortunately, fake  service dog registries do exist and many pet owners fall victim to the scam, believing they can  certify their pet as a service animal to skirt the rules.

https://www.servicedogpass.org/ 

http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/ training/canine-good-citizen/ training-testing/

In this episode, we will take a deep dive in the different requirements a service dog needs to follow.

Acquiring and training a service dog can be a life-changing experience, providing essential support to individuals with disabilities. However, the process of training a service dog is not without significant financial costs. From the initial selection of the dog to the extensive specialized training required, expenses can quickly add up. In this episode, we will explore the various costs involved...

It takes time to train any Service Dog, including PSDs. For most dogs, the service  training process requires between one and two years of continuous training. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the determination and patience it take to train a service dog.

Training will be an everyday affair. A Service Dog needs to improve their skills  continually. As a trainer of your own Service Dogs it is key that you do not harm the  ability of Service Dogs to be present in public places. 

Once an individual is determined to qualify for a service dog, they must then go  through the process of obtaining a service dog. This typically involves working with a  reputable service dog organization or trainer to find a suitable dog and then undergoing  training with the dog to ensure that it is properly trained to assist the individual with  their specific needs.

When it comes to service dog training, different dog breeds can have varying levels of suitability depending on the type of service they are being trained to perform. Some breeds are more suited to certain types of service work than others. In this episode, we are going to go over the up-keep of having a service dog.

A person with a disability is defined as “a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities”. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety. If you have a medical disability recognized u...

Service Dogs are an essential tool for many Americans with disabilities, allowing them to live more independently and participate fully in society. It's important to note that Service Dogs are not considered pets and they have access rights in places where pets are not allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Service Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners in any place that is...

Service dogs, also known as assistance dogs, are specially trained animals that assist individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. These dogs are trained to perform tasks that their owners are unable to do due to their disability, such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, or helping individuals with mobility issues. Service dogs are an essential tool for many individuals with disabilit...

Understanding your dog is important for creating a strong and fulfilling relationship between the dog and their owner. Dogs have been human companions for thousands of years, they have complex behaviors, communication signals, and emotional capacities. In this episode, we will discuss the different aspects of understanding your dog, from their body language to their unique personalities. 

Embarking on the journey of training your dog is a remarkable endeavor filled with challenges, growth, and countless memorable moments. As you progress through the training process, it's essential to take the time to celebrate your achievements and acknowledge the bond that you've cultivated with your canine companion.

In your journey to train your beloved canine companion, you may find yourself in need of additional guidance and expertise. Professional dog trainers can provide invaluable assistance, whether you're tackling basic obedience or addressing specific behavioral issues. However, with the abundance of options available, it's crucial to navigate this landscape wisely to ensure you find the right fit for...

In the journey of training your beloved canine companion, their nutrition and overall health play pivotal roles. Just like with humans, a well-balanced diet and proper healthcare are essential for a dog's physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore how you can support your dog's training efforts through nutrition and healthcare practices.

Before delving into training techniques and behavioral strategies, it's crucial to establish an environment at home that is conducive to your dog's well-being and development. This episode will guide you through the steps necessary to create a nurturing and harmonious living space for your canine companion.

Just as humans pass through different life stages, so do our canine companions. Each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for training and bonding. In this episode, we'll explore effective training strategies tailored to each life stage, from the playful exuberance of puppyhood to the wisdom of the senior years.

Before diving into obedience training or addressing behavioral issues, it's crucial to understand the fundamental needs of our canine companions. Dogs are intelligent, social beings with a natural inclination towards mental stimulation and physical activity. In this episode, we explore why mental stimulation and exercise are vital components of a dog's well-being and how they contribute to a balan...